VW changes the front end and designers make small tweaks to the cabin, profile, rear and rear.
Volkswagen isn’t going to leave the sedan market in America and will soon release a new 2020 Passat. Although the latest model is based on the same platform, VW’s designers have made many small updates to the body.
For this comparison, we only refer to the American Passat. It is a completely new vehicle that rides on VW’s MQB platform. The refreshed version could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February.
Front
For the 2020 Passat, the designers kept the same generation shape (left) and the 2016 refresh (right). The new grille has more chrome and a lower profile due to the addition a third horizontal bar. This is in contrast to the two previous models. A U-shaped element is also created by the larger front bumper. The lower fascia is mesh-covered, and has a sporty look.
Profile
The new Passat’s profile is the most important change. Although the silhouette is almost identical, VW’s designers added more chrome to give it a more luxurious look. The back side quarter windows no longer have a slight upward slope. To make the rear appear sleeker, the sharper line accents the roof.
Back
Although the back is still the same shape, VW’s designers have changed some of its details. The sedan’s taillights have been made slimmer, but are now more extended to wrap around its side. Passat is now spelled out by a new badge on the trunk lid. The new exhaust finishers are sharper and more integrated into the rear than previous generations’ simple round outlets.
Interior
The interior of the new Passat is similar to the rear. However, there are many small changes that make it look different. The instrument cluster features a pair of circular gauges with a screen between them. There are very few styling changes to the steering wheel. The dashboard has trim that makes HVAC vents appear to extend across the cabin’s width. Also, the analog clock from the previous generation is gone. The central stack is the same layout, but has a larger infotainment screen.
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine from the previous generation is still in the 2020 Passat. The engine still produces 174 horsepower but the torque is now 207 lb-ft, instead of last year’s 184. At launch, the only drivetrain combination is a six speed automatic turning the front wheel.